Egyptian Soccer to Resume without Fans in the Stands

ChairmanAnwarSaleh of the Egyptian SoccerFederationsaid Thursday thatgamesinthe country's premier leaguewill return toactivitywithoutfansin the stands, following the recent riot in Port Said in which 74 people died and more than 1,000 were injured. He told the Ahram Sports magazine, "Renewal ofthe leagueis essential in many circles, soIthinkthe clubswould not objectto play the gameswithouttheir fans."

Saleh added that the gradual return of live customers depends on the results of investigations into the incident. He was appointed provisional chairman ofthe associationuntilelections expected to take placesoonafterthe previousmanagementwas senthomeby the Prime MinisterKamalAl-Ganzuri. A parliamentry committee blamed fans and police this week for the Port Said riot, but partially agreed with allegations that they were orchestrated for political reasons.